I bought a menstrual cup over a year ago, a Lunette Size 1. I have tried many times to insert it with no success. I'm 16 and a virgin.

I can only fit a finger inside my vagina and when I try to insert the cup I'm in pain. I feel quite comfortable down there and know my anatomy. I'm small. Fitting my middle finger in there just fits when I'm on my period. I've heard that your cervix gets smaller when you're menstruating. But I never can seem to fit my cup into my vaginal canal comfortably. It feels tight and uncomfortable.

I use the punch down fold, because that's the only one I've had success even inserting a little. I've tried the diamond fold since it's smaller and more compact, but I find it hard to hold and insert at the same time. And the c fold is way too big for me. I've been trying different folds but nothing seems to work like the punch down fold. I don't know what to do anymore. I've inserted it so many times with no luck and I'm sick of using pads. And, although, I could try organic 100% cotton tampons, I'm not sure I'd have anymore success than with a menstrual cup. And a cup holds so much more for long amounts of time, which would be ideal since I have a 7 day period (mostly spotting on the last two days).

Can anyone help? I feel like I'm going insane with so many people raving about menstrual cups all the time. Is it possible I'm too small?

Hmm I discovered menstrual cups post sex... but yeah I second the lubrication and just be sure you relax. Even I forget that sometimes, I have minor pelvic floor dysfunction (tightness). Perhaps put a finger in, feel yourself and take a few deep breaths to see the change in the pelvic floor muscles. Sometimes it helps to feel the difference and then try the cup once relaxed.

Maybe try the Instead Softcups? I used those for years before discovering my Diva. They have a very different fit. I also like my Thinx period panties that I use as backup on days I go to the gym and do a million squats. They are prohibitively expensive, though :-(

Are the softcups smaller? I've heard that Diva cups are easy to remove because of what they're made of and Lunette is easier to insert (not so sure about that). But I will look into it.I've heard of those underwear before, they sound like a good idea for light days. Especially for the gym, like you mentioned. Thank you :)

The softcups are a completely different way of doing a cup. They have a stiff rubber ring, then an almost "plastic wrap" like part that forms the cup, so you can squeeze the ring together and it is very, very slender. I found it more difficult to seat it correctly around the cervix and had more leaks with it than with my cup.